Top 10 Largest Mammals on Earth

This massive marine mammal is the largest known animal to have ever existed on Earth, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 33 meters (108 feet) and weighing around 180 metric tons. The blue whale can be found in all of the world's oceans, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and feeds on tiny crustaceans such as krill. On average, a blue whale consumes around 40 million liters of water per day to find food. The blue whale was first documented by sailors in the 16th century, but its existence wasn't confirmed until 1860 by a team of scientists. The blue whale is not only massive but also extremely vocal, with some individuals producing sounds that can be heard for hundreds of kilometers.

This species of baleen whale is the second-largest animal on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 27 meters (89 feet) and weighing up to 74 metric tons. The fin whale can be found in all of the world's oceans, preferring cooler waters near the surface. On average, a fin whale migrates around 12,000 kilometers per year, making it one of the longest-distance-traveling animals on Earth. The fin whale is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and hunting practices that date back to the 19th century. Despite its large size, the fin whale can reach speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour, making it a formidable swimmer.

This species of baleen whale is known for its distinctive songs, which are used for communication and mating purposes. The humpback whale can be found in oceans around the world, preferring warmer waters near the equator. On average, an adult humpback whale weighs around 25 metric tons and reaches lengths of up to 18 meters (59 feet). The humpback whale is considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation and hunting practices that target its calves. Despite its size, the humpback whale can dive as deep as 500 meters in search of food.

This species of baleen whale is known for its annual migrations between its summer feeding grounds in the Arctic and winter breeding grounds in Mexico. The grey whale can be found in all of the world's oceans, preferring coastal waters with abundant food sources. On average, an adult grey whale weighs around 15 metric tons and reaches lengths of up to 15 meters (49 feet). The grey whale is listed as endangered due to habitat degradation and hunting practices that target its calf harvests.

This species of earless mammal is known for its distinctive vocalizations, which are used for communication and mating purposes. The elephant seal can be found along the coasts of South America and Africa, preferring rocky shores with abundant food sources. On average, an adult male elephant seal weighs around 4 metric tons and reaches lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet). The elephant seal is considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation and hunting practices that target its blubber for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

This large mammal is found in rivers and lakes across sub-Saharan Africa, preferring warm waters with abundant food sources. The hippopotamus can be found in a variety of habitats, from savannas to forests, and weighs around 1.5 metric tons on average. Despite its size, the hippopotamus is an excellent swimmer and can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour when necessary. The hippopotamus has been known for its aggressive behavior towards humans, with some individuals responsible for up to 3,000 human deaths per year.

This large mammal is found in savannas and forests across sub-Saharan Africa, preferring areas with abundant food sources and access to water. The African elephant can be found alone or in small herds, led by a dominant matriarch, and weighs around 5 metric tons on average. Despite its size, the African elephant is an excellent runner and can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour when necessary. The African elephant has been listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching practices that target its ivory.

This tall mammal is found in savannas and grasslands across Africa, preferring areas with abundant food sources and access to water. The giraffe can be found alone or in small herds, led by a dominant male, and weighs around 400 kilograms on average. Despite its height, the giraffe is an excellent runner and can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour when necessary. The giraffe has been known for its distinctive coat patterns, with some individuals displaying complex stripes that help blend in with their surroundings.

This large mammal is found in savannas and grasslands across Africa and Asia, preferring areas with abundant food sources and access to water. The rhinoceros can be found alone or in small herds, led by a dominant male, and weighs around 2 metric tons on average. Despite its size, the rhinoceros is an excellent swimmer and can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour when necessary. The rhinoceros has been listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching practices that target its horn.

This large mammal is found in grasslands and savannas across North America, preferring areas with abundant food sources and access to water. The bison can be found alone or in small herds, led by a dominant female, and weighs around 400 kilograms on average. Despite its size, the bison is an excellent runner and can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour when necessary. The bison has been known for its distinctive shaggy coat, which helps it blend in with its surroundings during hunting.